Lincoln's Challenge closure would be loss

The news that Lincoln's Challenge may be forced to reduce classes or close entirely is very disheartening. As a resource person for their semi-annual Welcome to the Real World exercise which teaches about checking and savings accounts plus purchase decisions, I saw firsthand what fine ladies and gentlemen these young people had become.

The outstanding work that the Illinois National Guard has accomplished with Lincoln's Challenge must be allowed to continue and grow if we are to turn around the lives of young men and women who have no other place to turn.